MUMBAI: A worldwide survey conducted by research firm Ipsos has thrown up positive results among Indians for host country Russia’s efforts at delivering the FIFA World Cup 2018.
The survey was conducted in 27 countries around the world, via the Ipsos Online Panel system, with 19,766 interviews conducted between 20 April and 04 May. A screener identified 12,207 individuals who stated to have seen, heard or read about the FIFA World Cup. This group responded to the subsequent questions.
While from one group of countries approximately 1,000 individuals aged 16-64 or 18-64 were surveyed per country, from the other group around 500 individuals aged 16-64 were part of the survey. India was among the countries in which 500 people were surveyed.
As for the demographic data of the 500 individuals surveyed, the India national sample is considered to represent a more affluent, connected population. These are still a vital social group to understand as they represent an important and emerging middle class, Ipsos argues.
Coming to the survey and its India relevant data, from this admittedly tiny sample size, 85% of Indians interviewed said they were following and watching the World Cup.
Amongst these people, roughly 60% of them prefer to catch all the action on television while 40% of them are following it on their mobiles, laptops, iPads or tablets.
Football is seen more as a social experience in the country. As a result, 88% of Indians are catching up on the action with either friends or family. While 69% of them prefer to watch the matches with their colleagues, should the timings of the matches clash with work. Outside home, 62% claim that they wouldn’t mind heading to a bar or restaurant for the same.
“While the Indian soccer squad is not a part of the 32 countries that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2018 tournament (India is placed 97 in FIFA Ranking), yet there is a high level of buzz among Indians for the FIFA World Cup. FIFA World Cup unites the world to cheer and support their favourite team or player and experience magic of the global extravaganza. The event is more than just a sporting event and every four years there is a novelty factor with a new theme, anthem and much razzmatazz every time,” Rinku Patnaik, chief client officer, Ipsos India stated.
Half of the people surveyed claimed that they don’t mind missing work or school to watch the matches. 50% is reportedly the highest number in this regard in the world, with Turkey (46%) and the US (46%) coming second and third respectively.
As many as 64% of Indians claimed that they have splashed money on FIFA World Cup merchandise and themed products.
In terms of brands and sponsors of the competition, Coca Cola (70%) and adidas (67%) were the most recalled brands by Indians with Hyundai and McDonalds following suit at 57% each.
Interestingly, 80% Indians feel that FIFA’s emphasis during this World Cup is more on corporate Sponsorship than individual sportsmanship.
When it comes to the winners and runners-up prediction for the tournament, Brazil struck the most chords with 22% votes, followed by Messi’s Argentina at 14% and defending champions Germany at 13%.
High approval rating by Indians for host country Russia & FIFA
Playing host to the World Cup is seen to be having a positive rub off on Russia’s image. 86% Indians think better of Russia as a country for hosting the World Cup 2018. And 86% Indians feel that the World Cup will be beneficial to the citizens of Russia. Further, 84% Indians have shown confidence in the security arrangement done by Russia and are confident that the World Cup will be safe for visitors. A whopping 86% Indians believe that Russia will be a successful venue host for the World Cup games.
Notably, 78% Indians believe that the organizing and preparations for the World Cup is free from any hanky panky or corruption. 82% Indians believe that it is safe for Indian fans to travel to Russia to catch the World Cup tournaments live.
A significant 86% Indians have shown their confidence in FIFA’s ethos and ability to work in the best interest of the game of football and for its ardent fans.
Methodology
The data are weighted to match the profile of the population. 16 of the 28 countries surveyed generate nationally representative samples in their countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and United States).
India, Brazil, Chile, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey produce a national sample that is considered to represent a more affluent, connected population. These are still a vital social group to understand in these countries, representing an important and emerging middle class.
